UC Davis will begin using a nonlethal noisemaking machine to drive geese away from a field on the west side of campus beginning as early as today (March 4). Several small grain research projects in the field, near Olive Tree Drive and Hutchison Drive, are being damaged by large numbers of grazing Canada geese.

The noisemaker, which makes a sound like a muffled blast, will operate as needed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. up to the end of June.

Noisemakers are the most effective way to deter wild geese. The devices are widely used in commercial agriculture.

UC Davis officials considered the environmental impact of the device, compared other potential options for deterrence, consulted with wildlife experts on campus and decided that the temporary measures, during daytime periods, are the best option. UC Davis will evaluate the device during the next three weeks to help indicate whether any adjustments are needed.